Audi embracing autonomous and hybrid technology

Audi is embracing autonomy faster than most regulators can keep up with

Audi presented an autonomous and electric front at the 45th annual Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, highlighting their show stand with the new A8, the Elaine SUV concept and the upcoming Audi Q8 SUV.

The new A8 and Elaine concept are designed with various levels of higher autonomy, a technology on which Audi is acting and developing quickly — faster than regulators can keep up with — as other automakers do the same. The technology is coming and it’s coming fast, Audi says, and we all need to be prepared for it despite the legal (and sometimes ethical) morass of questions that remain.

2019 Audi A8

Derek McNaughton, Driving.ca

2019 Audi A8

Derek McNaughton, Driving.ca

2019 Audi A8

Derek McNaughton, Driving.ca

2019 Audi A8

Derek McNaughton, Driving.ca

2019 Audi A8

Derek McNaughton, Driving.ca

Elaine SUV Concept

Derek McNaughton, Driving.ca

Elaine SUV Concept

Derek McNaughton, Driving.ca

Elaine SUV Concept

Derek McNaughton, Driving.ca

Audi Q8 Concept

Derek McNaughton, Driving.ca

Audi Q8 Concept

Derek McNaughton, Driving.ca

Audi Q8 Concept

Derek McNaughton, Driving.ca

Audi’s A8, for example, which goes on sale in the third quarter of 2018 as a 2019, can completely take over the task of driving — up to 60 km/h on highways and roads with a physical barrier separating two directions of traffic. Audi says, there will be no need to constantly monitor the car, but the driver must remain alert — and capable — of taking controls when prompted.

The Elaine concept SUV, which is very close to production sign off, goes even further than the flagship A8 with Level Four autonomous driving technology, meaning the SUV would be able to travel short distances entirely by itself, without a driver. And the Q8 SUV, while not offering the kind of autonomy of the A8, ushers in the use of electrics, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain capable of 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Expect the production Q8 to appear at the Geneva Motor Show next march.